Welcome to the historic village of Abbotsbury on the Dorset Jurassic Coast. This charming village sits in a secluded valley sheltered by the Ridgeway hills that provide a warm microclimate. This is the landscape of Thomas Hardy and several films of his books have included Abbotsbury, the most recent being the production of ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ starring Carey Mulligan and Matthias Schoenaerts.

Although Abbotsbury is only a small village we have a village shop with post office and ATM, a farm shop selling local produce, a fishing tackle & bait shop, a range of interesting independent shops and galleries, tearooms, two public houses and accommodation, both bed and breakfast and self-catering. Also look out for the Abbey gateway and Pinion end and the civil war bullets in the Church pulpit, among the many other interesting things you may come across.

There are lots of places to visit, in and around the village, within easy walking distance: landmark St. Catherine’s Chapel, St. Nicholas Church, Chesil Beach, Abbotsbury Swannery, the Sub-tropical Gardens and Abbey Farm artisans and café. Or if you are feeling energetic, a walk up the hill to Abbotsbury Castle, the Iron Age hillfort, where the panoramic views are simply amazing.

Click on image

Things you might like to do in the local area include walking the Jurassic Coast Path (stunning coastal scenery) The Hardy Way (explores the Wessex of Thomas Hardy), Ridgeway Path (ancient trackway described as Britain’s oldest road), the MacMillan Way (Abbotsbury to Boston) or the walk along the Chesil Beach or the old railway track linking Abbotsbury and Portesham. You may also like to cycle along the narrow back lanes, have a round of golf at West Bay, go fishing off the Chesil Beach, take a boat trip from Weymouth or West Bay or go sailing from Portland’s world famous Sailing Academy, venue for the British Olympic sailing events.

The village is served by the X53 Jurassic Coastal service and during summer months the X52 running from Monkey World to Bridport, via Lulworth, Durdle Dor and Abbotsbury!

This website is maintained by CBTA CiC.

Click on the image below to view the Abbotsbury Photo Gallery